I was, shall we say, somewhat surprised to see him using a 1K pup at 6 metres to light three panellists.

I measured 200 lux, which, compared with Ankaras 3000 lux was to say the least, a little surprising.

At 8pm we picked up the girls who had been
shopping for their course. 9pm saw us all in the
restaurant, which was packed. I feel that their
expectations of running high quality training have
taken a knock as they find that TRT just isnt like
the BBC at all. But then, why should it be? Unlike
some of my colleagues in the Society, I too have
spent all my working life under Aunties umbrella,
and that could be perceived as an overly narrow
view of the TV universe. Pros and Cons for both, I
guess.

The girls told me that they had brought quite a lot
of kit with them that cost 500 in excess baggage! I
have been asked to help them next Friday in the
small cinema studio which is where they are to
have their final programme exercise in which all their trainees (Presenters, male and female) will be
able to put all their new found skills and knowledge to the test.

Sunday February 11
th


A gentle start to the day after the exertions of
yesterday. Cloudy and cool, so no rush to go
out. After breakfast, I walked down the hill
from Taksim Square past embassies and
university buildings towards the Bosphorus
and on to Dolmabahe Palace. Yet another
Ottoman palace (there are many in Istanbul)
built towards the end of their crumbling
empire- less than a hundred years ago. A
modest 270 rooms with lots of solid gold, even
cutlery. An amazing ceremonial Hall 36
metres high with a crystal chandelier weighing over 4 tonnes!

Later I joined the large numbers of people just strolling down Istikal Caddesi (Independence Avenue)
from Taksim Square. I saw more bazaars that looked as though they might be worth exploring at a later
date.

As darkness fell, I waited for 90 minutes for the non-arrival of a TRT driver to take me up to see Gece
Kahvesi being lit. Eventually I took a taksi and enjoyed a hair raising and seatbelt less drive around
the city.

Mehmet on the pole, awaiting instructions
Dolmabahe Palace
Gece Khavasi a late Caf/bar audience participation show